Consecutive Losses

February 9th, the Thunder hosted the Cavaliers.

Without Westbrook, the Thunder lost a significant offensive weapon and their most reliable playmaker.

Facing the top team in the Eastern Conference, the reigning champions, they couldn't replicate their previous game's success.

Even though Butler had a explosive 35 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists, and Chen Xi consistently contributed 26 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, it was still a case of too few against too many.

Irving, shaking off his previous slump, was on fire all game, shooting 16 of 23 for 39 points, 3 rebounds, and 12 assists. James added 27 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Love chipped in 19 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 assists.

The Cavaliers, with their standard Big Three formation, easily won the game.

After the game, Old Zhang walked over with a smile, chatting and laughing with Westbrook, who was dressed in a suit.

In contrast, Irving, uncharacteristically, hurried back to the locker room. A quick inquiry with Love revealed that Irving apparently had religious activities to attend after the game.

Watching Love and Old Zhan still basking in the joy of victory, Chen thought, pulling at the corner of his mouth, the two big brothers hadn't realized the seriousness of the situation yet.

Irving was already getting into his religious beliefs; would the days of causing trouble be far behind?

However, these two brothers might not have to worry about it. If nothing unexpected happened, after being swept again in the Finals this year, Irving would likely request a trade next year.

The Celtics and Nets should be the ones worrying. According to the original timeline, Irving would take at least a few more years to rein it in and focus on playing.

Of course, the pandemic was also a factor.

Thinking of the pandemic, even though it was only 2017, should he start stockpiling some supplies?

Chen stroked his chin, beginning to consider the future.

Although he wasn't a good person, he couldn't just stand by and watch the pandemic appear and disappear without doing anything.

Perhaps he could stock up on some supplies in America and secretly transport them back to China to donate. That would be his contribution.

Chen Xi scratched his head and walked back to the locker room, momentarily losing interest in the game's outcome, his mind filled with plans on how to purchase masks and other items in bulk without attracting attention.

He wasn't a genius, had no background, and didn't understand medicine. He had no good solutions for COVID-19. Stockpiling supplies was the most feasible plan he could think of in the short term.

However, there was still plenty of time, no need to rush. He'd sign a big contract next year, then return to China to lay the foundation and build a company, which would make logistics and transportation easier.

Right! He'd worry about it then!

With his severe procrastination, Chen always stopped at the idea stage.

February 9th, the Thunder once again hosted the Golden State Warriors at home.

Before the game, Zaza Pachulia announced he would not play due to injury. Kerr therefore chose to start JaVale McGee to bolster the team's height, though it was very un-Kerr-like...

This was Kevin Durant's first return to the Thunder's home court this season, and he was met with a barrage of boos and insulting posters.

The Thunder fans had waited too long for this day, preparing long in advance to disgust Durant. Their deep love had turned into deep hate; facing the "ex-girlfriend" who had dumped them, no one could remain indifferent.

This time, they had to curse him to their heart's content, especially since the Thunder were still third in the Western Conference and had just defeated the Warriors in their last encounter. This made the Thunder fans even more dissatisfied and disgusted with Durant's choice.

Look, we're still a strong team without you. If you hadn't left, we'd be even stronger!

The fans had complex feelings for KD, like being dumped by their first love, suddenly becoming rich, and then going to show off to their ex, only to find her current partner seemed even wealthier.

If you think this book is good, remember to add it to your bookshelf so you don't lose it next time.

For a moment, it felt like ants were crawling all over him.

Durant, however, appeared calm, whether he was prepared or just putting on a brave face. He silently pulled up the hood of his Warriors warm-up jacket, avoiding the crowd, and prepared for the game.

On the other side, Chen Xi looked at KD, who seemed to be alone at this moment, and felt an indescribable emotion.

Was he wrong? It seemed not. He was a free agent when he left; he had the freedom to go wherever he pleased.

But the Thunder fans clearly didn't see it that way. He could have chosen to re-sign with the team early, or he could have negotiated a sign-and-trade with the management. Most importantly, he went to the Golden State Warriors, the team that had staged a 3-1 comeback against the Thunder in the Western Conference Finals last season.

Of course, perhaps if he had re-signed early, the Thunder wouldn't have sent him to Golden State. This might have been something Durant considered. After all, people always praised players for their loyalty, but there were also plenty of examples of teams being ruthless. The Celtics, the Rockets – similar cases of team management were everywhere.

Back to the game.

Facing a Warriors team with their main players healthy, the Thunder struggled to keep up. Coupled with Chen Xi's unusually poor shooting performance, the team's meager output from Butler and Sabonis was completely unable to match Golden State's firepower.

Ultimately, they were regretfully forced to accept their second consecutive loss.

In the entire game, Chen Xi shot 6 of 16 from the field, 2 of 7 from three-point range, and 2 of 2 from the free-throw line, scoring only 16 points, 2 rebounds, and 7 assists.

As the team's scoring leader after Westbrook's injury, a mere 16 points were clearly insufficient, especially against the Warriors, the league's top-ranked offense.

Fluctuations in form were common, and the team didn't dwell on it. After all, facing the Warriors without their main player was already a slim hope, and Chen's slump was merely adding a little extra difficulty.

After the game, the "hard-training brothers" were once again practicing on the court.

Grant and Chen Xi were playing one-on-one, while Little Sabonis was shooting around nearby.

Just then, Turtle Turtle walked in.

"You guys are still here? So much energy?"

"Young people are always more resilient," Chen Xi joked self-deprecatingly.

"Turtle Turtle, how's the injury?"

"It's okay. I should be back after the All-Star break."

"So soon? Didn't the doctor say it would take a month? Actually, there's no need to rush. Why don't you rest a few more days?"

"It's fine, I've had it checked. I'm recovering better than expected." Russell smiled and patted Chen Xi's head.

"I think you're just afraid that if you're injured too long, I'll snatch your boss position!!!"

"..." Turtle Turtle was speechless.

"You've lost two games in a row leading the team, I don't even want to talk about you. It's so embarrassing."

The two were familiar with each other, and their jokes became increasingly bold. Grant, listening from the side, broke out in a cold sweat. Was this something you could say?

"Damn it!!!! There's a reason for that!" Chen Xi immediately jumped up upon hearing this.

"What reason? Shoes too worn out? Court too slippery? Rim crooked? Or teammates too noob?" Turtle Turtle added insult to injury.

"..." Chen was left speechless.

If only he hadn't taught him these things when they played games together.

"16 points, and you're leading the team? Jimmy, with 27 points, didn't claim he was leading the team!" Turtle Turtle continued his attack.

If you think this book is good, remember to add it to your bookshelf so you don't lose it next time.